Acai? Accai? Akay? AH-SAH-EE

So now that you know how to say it, what is all the fuzz behind this Brazilian berry? 

The Acai berry is indigenous to the Amazonian Rainforest. This antioxidant rich fruit has proven to carry many health benefits such as: improving skin health, assisting weight loss, aiding cardiovascular functions, boosting your immune system, anti-aging, lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation, reducing irritation, and helping the digestion process.

So why are people obsessing over this tiny berry? “In fact, the berries are one of the planets highest sources of antioxidants. One berry holds ten times the amount of antioxidants as grapes, and two times the amount of blueberries.” This dark reddish purple skin berry comes from the acai palm tree native to Brazil. The berry is not only packed with antioxidants but also has great components such as Vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, Calcium, Potassium, Omega 6, Omega 9, Anthocyanin (a special phytonutrient) and Fiber. These elements have proven to support many bodily functions and improve your overall health.

The acai trend did not start in the United States until a few years ago. Acai can be found in may natural juices, cosmetic products, and in frozen form. Sadly due to the long trek the berry takes to get to American consumers and its highly perishable qualities, it is near impossible to find the berry in its natural state. Consumers are being forced to purchase the fruit in frozen form. This forces consumers to combat different brand names as well as compromise the berries nutritional value with added sugars.

Due to the growing popularity of this superfood, the Acai Bowl was born. Many Americans have begun to add this tropical fruit to their daily routines, as a breakfast or snack alternative. Although this berry has many positive nutritional values, the Americanization of this trend has begun to contaminate its natural properties by introducing sugars and other additives. See our next article on how to create the prefect acai bowl without compromising its natural form.

Sources:

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-acai/

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/acai-berry-market